Ch-ch-ch-changes

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of spending a week with some fellow Agilists and a pretty awesome trio of teachers.  We talked about Leadership, and how to approach things from an integral thought perspective.  It was a work thing.  But it was so much more than that.  We really went on this most incredible journey, together.  And truthfully I cannot put the experience into words.  It was far more personal than just 'work'.  But then, that isn't all that surprising.  I've repeated since the beginning of this blog of mine, 'as in triathlon, so in life', and it has become more and more apparent to me over the last year, that this extends to my professional life as well.  My own personal trifecta of purpose I guess - triathlon, living life, and agile coaching.  This week was, simply, transformational.  Life changing.  I've been living in a bit of a dulled down daze for a few years.  And this week, with this beautiful group of people, dusted away all the cobwebs and put me back on a path that I'd discarded for fear of really living life.  Now, I just can't go back to the way I've been.  As hard as it's proving to be, especially this week, I am moving forward.

I know, I know.  WAY too deep for this blog, you say.  But, I've always been honest here.  And the truth is, I'm kind of excited about where this different perspective will take me in my racing.  In retrospect, I believe I have never really given everything, all at once, in any race effort.  Sure, I've always finished strong - given that all in the last few miles.  But I've always held back something, at least in the beginning, and even the middle, as I play it safe or lose my mental focus.  Fear of failure, fear of pain, fear of success...I'm not sure. Certainly a belief that I couldn't really do it.  I don't hold that belief anymore.  And it no longer holds me.  So.  How I will apply these concepts to my pursuit of excellence and purpose in Ironman? What will happen when I really open myself up to all of the possibilities? How will my game change when I view the pain and the fear from a different viewpoint? Who will I prove to be when I embrace the struggle on a whole different level? I'm not sure. But I'm surely ready to find out.

The last few weeks, post Costa Rica (awesome) and this AIW Bootcamp, have been ramping back up to get ready for the next IM training pursuit.  I feel strong, and ready.  I'm not quite as far as I had hoped to be - are we ever? - but I feel good about where I am.  4k swims are back - and quite a few of them as we gear up for the NYE smashfest at Dynamo.  It's really amazing me how 4000+ yards is getting easier and easier.  I don't even get out of the pool tired anymore.  Truth be told, once I actually get myself to the pool, I am actually starting to enjoy swimming.  (sshhh, don't tell anyone).  And I'm running 11+ miles on crazy hills without stopping, and with a reasonably good pace for the transition season.  I'm pulling off 6'40s on the treadie during speed sessions without struggle.  And I can tell I'm getting stronger with the strength sessions.  I'm a little uncertain about the bike, with some hits and misses on the trainer sessions, but I have to trust that it's doing okay, and it will come when I need it to.  We'll do a power test in early Jan, and that will tell more than what I can right now.  I've been hitting virtually all of my sessions, in the 9-10 hr per week range.  All in all, things are lined up to get back into serious training next week.

Some shots from Costa:

Thanks to all the wonderful friends, old and new, who witnessed my journey during that week.  You will forever be in my heart, and no doubt on a few race courses with me too :)

Happy training friends,
Kat